- Job Title: Product Innovation Manager - Marketing
- Company: Lakeside Foods
- Location: Manitowoc, Wisconsin, United States
- Job Type: Hybrid (On-site & Remote)
- Category: Marketing, Product Management
- Date Posted: May 28, 2025
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
1. Strategic Thinking: Developing and implementing innovative marketing strategies to drive business growth.
2. Market Research: Identifying and analyzing market trends and consumer behaviors to inform product development.
3. Cross-Functional Collaboration: Working closely with various departments, including R&D, Sales, and Accounting, to bring new products to market.
4. Project Management: Leading cross-functional teams through the product development lifecycle, from concept to commercialization.
5. Data-Driven Decision Making: Leveraging insights and data to make informed business decisions and optimize marketing efforts.
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strategic mindset, strong analytical skills, and the ability to thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
📋 Key Responsibilities
- Market Research and Analysis: Monitor and report on consumer trends and market dynamics to identify potential gaps and opportunities for new category expansion.
- New Category Pipeline: Based on market research findings, develop concepts and business cases that diversify our portfolio offerings consistent with company strengths.
- Project Management: Lead cross-functional, new product teams inclusive of R&D, Accounting, Quality, Operations, Engineering, and Supply Chain. Collaborate with R&D teams to translate product concepts into tangible products, including ingredient selection, formulation, and packaging design. Shepherd projects through the stage-gate process, taking full accountability for the overall business case, including P&L.
- Strategic Planning: Collaborate with the VP of Marketing to leverage insights, fostering dialogue around market trends that influence overall company strategy.
ASSUMPTION: This role involves a high degree of autonomy and requires strong organizational skills to manage multiple projects and stakeholders effectively.
🎯 Required Qualifications
- Education: BA/BS required; MBA strongly preferred.
- Experience: Minimum 5 years of Marketing/NPD experience in the food/beverage industry, with a focus on new category innovation projects from concept to commercialization.
- Skills:
- Strong analytical skills with proficiency in data analysis tools and techniques.
- Proven ability to identify and evaluate new product opportunities.
- Excellent presentation, communication, and collaboration skills to work cross-functionally with various teams.
- Experience in the food industry, particularly within private label CPG, is a plus.
- Knowledge of product development processes and regulatory requirements.
- Familiarity with common consumer marketing research tools and techniques.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience in the food industry, particularly within private label CPG.
- Knowledge of product development processes and regulatory requirements.
ASSUMPTION: Candidates with relevant industry experience and a proven track record of driving innovation and growth will be most successful in this role.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
- Salary Range: $85,000 - $120,000 per year (based on experience level and industry standards for similar roles in the region)
- Benefits:
- Comprehensive healthcare coverage options
- Vision and dental coverage
- Health savings account with employer contribution/flexible spending accounts
- Retirement planning, including Profit Sharing and 401(k) match
- Company-provided life, AD&D, short and long-term disability insurance
- Generous paid time off, including vacation, personal days, and holidays
- Educational and professional development assistance
- Wellness programs and fitness reimbursement
- Career growth opportunities and internships/apprenticeships
- Friendly office environment with a "dress for your day" dress code
Working Hours: 40 hours per week, with flexibility for hybrid work arrangements.
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards for similar roles in the region. The actual salary may vary depending on the candidate's experience and qualifications.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
- Industry: Food and Beverage Manufacturing
- Company Size: 1,001-5,000 employees
- Founded: 1887
- Company Description: Lakeside Foods, Inc. is a premier producer and supplier of high-quality canned vegetables, frozen vegetables, frozen whipped topping, and frozen appetizers for the retail, food service, and industrial sectors. Founded in 1887 as a small pea canning company in Manitowoc, Wisconsin, Lakeside Foods has grown to 13 processing locations in three states, with nearly 1,000 employees year-round and more than 2,000 during seasonal production.
- Company Specialties: Food Manufacturing, Private Brand Food, Canned Vegetables, Frozen Vegetables, Canned Corn, Canned Peas, Canned Green Beans, Frozen Corn, Frozen Peas, Frozen Green Beans, Canned Dry Beans, Frozen Vegetables with Sauce, Frozen Whipped Topping, and Consumer Food
📊 Role Analysis
- Career Level: Mid-level to Senior-level Marketing or Product Management role
- Reporting Structure: This role reports directly to the VP of Marketing and may oversee cross-functional teams, including members from R&D, Accounting, Quality, Operations, Engineering, and Supply Chain.
- Work Arrangement: Hybrid (On-site & Remote) - This role requires a balance of on-site collaboration and remote work, with the exact arrangement flexible based on the candidate's needs and preferences.
- Growth Opportunities: As Lakeside Foods continues to grow and expand its product offerings, there are ample opportunities for career advancement within the marketing and product management functions. Additionally, the company's commitment to employee development and career growth provides numerous avenues for professional growth and learning.
ASSUMPTION: This role offers significant potential for career advancement and growth within the organization.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
- Office Type: Lakeside Foods' headquarters in Manitowoc, Wisconsin, offers a modern, collaborative work environment with state-of-the-art facilities and a strong focus on employee well-being and work-life balance.
- Office Location(s): 808 Hamilton St, Manitowoc, Wisconsin 54220, US
- Geographic Context: Manitowoc is a charming city located on the western shore of Lake Michigan, offering a unique blend of small-town charm and urban amenities. With a population of approximately 33,000 residents, Manitowoc provides a tight-knit community feel while still offering access to big-city attractions, including cultural events, sports, and outdoor recreation.
- Work Schedule: Lakeside Foods offers a flexible work schedule, with core hours between 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday. The company also provides opportunities for remote work and flexible scheduling to accommodate employees' personal needs and preferences.
ASSUMPTION: Lakeside Foods' commitment to work-life integration and employee well-being makes it an attractive place to work, especially for candidates seeking a balance between professional growth and personal fulfillment.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
- Typical Process: Lakeside Foods' interview process typically involves an initial phone or video screening, followed by one or more on-site interviews with key stakeholders, including the hiring manager and other team members. The final round may include a presentation or case study component to assess the candidate's problem-solving skills and cultural fit.
- Key Assessment Areas: Candidates should be prepared to discuss their experience with market research, data analysis, project management, and strategic planning. Additionally, Lakeside Foods places a strong emphasis on cultural fit, so candidates should be ready to demonstrate their alignment with the company's values and work environment.
- Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role.
- Be prepared to discuss your experience with market research, data analysis, project management, and strategic planning.
- Research Lakeside Foods' company culture and be ready to demonstrate your alignment with their values and work environment.
- Practice common interview questions and be ready to provide specific examples of your problem-solving skills and leadership abilities.
ATS Keywords: Market Research, Data Analysis, Project Management, Strategic Planning, Consumer Trends, Cross-Functional Collaboration, Product Development, Communication Skills, Analytical Skills, Innovation, Category Management, Regulatory Knowledge, Consumer Marketing Research, Presentation Skills, Team Leadership, Business Case Development
ASSUMPTION: Lakeside Foods' interview process is designed to assess candidates' technical skills and cultural fit, so it's essential to be prepared to discuss your experience and accomplishments in detail.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Data Analysis Tools: Lakeside Foods uses various data analysis tools and techniques to inform decision-making and drive business growth. Candidates should be proficient in using data analysis tools and techniques relevant to the food and beverage industry.
- Project Management Tools: The company employs project management tools to streamline the product development lifecycle and ensure efficient collaboration across cross-functional teams. Candidates should have experience with project management tools and be comfortable using them to manage multiple projects and stakeholders.
- Consumer Marketing Research Tools: Lakeside Foods utilizes consumer marketing research tools and techniques to identify market trends and consumer behaviors. Candidates should have experience with common consumer marketing research tools and techniques and be comfortable using them to inform product development and marketing strategies.
ASSUMPTION: Candidates should be comfortable using industry-standard data analysis, project management, and consumer marketing research tools and techniques to excel in this role.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
- Company Values: Lakeside Foods values a strong work ethic, collaboration, innovation, and a commitment to continuous improvement. Candidates should be able to demonstrate their alignment with these values and be prepared to discuss how they have embodied these principles in their previous roles.
- Work Style: Lakeside Foods' work environment is fast-paced, dynamic, and collaborative. Candidates should be comfortable working in a team-oriented environment and be able to thrive in a setting that requires strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple projects and stakeholders effectively.
- Self-Assessment Questions:
- How have you demonstrated your commitment to continuous improvement and innovation in your previous roles?
- Can you provide an example of a time when you had to manage multiple projects and stakeholders effectively?
- How have you used data analysis tools and techniques to inform decision-making and drive business growth in your previous roles?
- How have you used consumer marketing research tools and techniques to identify market trends and consumer behaviors, and how have you translated those insights into successful product development and marketing strategies?
ASSUMPTION: Lakeside Foods places a strong emphasis on cultural fit, so candidates should be prepared to demonstrate their alignment with the company's values and work environment throughout the interview process.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Role-Specific Challenges: This role requires a high degree of autonomy and the ability to manage multiple projects and stakeholders effectively. Candidates should be comfortable working in a dynamic, fast-paced environment and be able to thrive under pressure.
- Company-Specific Challenges: Lakeside Foods is a growing company with a strong commitment to innovation and continuous improvement. Candidates should be comfortable working in a setting that requires adaptability and a willingness to embrace change.
- Industry-Specific Challenges: The food and beverage industry is highly competitive and subject to frequent market fluctuations. Candidates should be comfortable working in an industry that requires a strong understanding of market trends and consumer behaviors, as well as the ability to pivot and adapt to changing market conditions.
ASSUMPTION: Candidates should be prepared to discuss their strategies for overcoming these challenges and be ready to demonstrate their ability to thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- Product Manager, Marketing (CPG): This role is similar to the Product Innovation Manager - Marketing role at Lakeside Foods, with a focus on driving product development and commercialization within the consumer packaged goods (CPG) industry. Both roles require strong analytical skills, strategic thinking, and the ability to manage cross-functional teams effectively.
- Senior Brand Manager: This role is similar to the Product Innovation Manager - Marketing role at Lakeside Foods, with a focus on developing and executing marketing strategies to drive brand growth and market share within the food and beverage industry. Both roles require strong analytical skills, strategic thinking, and a deep understanding of consumer behavior and market trends.
- Product Development Manager: This role is similar to the Product Innovation Manager - Marketing role at Lakeside Foods, with a focus on driving product innovation and commercialization within the food and beverage industry. Both roles require strong analytical skills, technical expertise in product development, and the ability to manage cross-functional teams effectively.
ASSUMPTION: Candidates should be prepared to discuss the similarities and differences between these roles and be ready to demonstrate their relevant experience and skills for the Product Innovation Manager - Marketing role at Lakeside Foods.
📝 Sample Projects
- New Product Launch: Develop and execute a comprehensive marketing plan for the launch of a new product line, including market research, competitive analysis, pricing strategy, and promotional activities.
- Product Portfolio Review: Conduct a thorough review of the company's existing product portfolio and identify opportunities for product rationalization, line extensions, or new product development to optimize revenue and market share.
- Brand Repositioning: Develop and implement a brand repositioning strategy to better align the brand with target consumer segments and enhance brand equity.
ASSUMPTION: Candidates should be prepared to discuss their experience with these types of projects and be ready to provide specific examples of their problem-solving skills and leadership abilities.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- Role-Specific Questions:
- How does this role fit into the overall marketing and product development strategy at Lakeside Foods?
- What are the key priorities for this role in the first 90 days?
- How does Lakeside Foods support the professional development and career growth of its marketing and product management employees?
- Company-Specific Questions:
- How does Lakeside Foods foster a culture of innovation and continuous improvement?
- What are some of the most significant challenges facing the food and beverage industry, and how is Lakeside Foods addressing them?
- How does Lakeside Foods support work-life balance and employee well-being?
- Industry-Specific Questions:
- What are some of the most significant trends shaping the food and beverage industry, and how is Lakeside Foods capitalizing on them?
- How does Lakeside Foods approach sustainability and environmental responsibility within the food and beverage industry?
- What are some of the most effective strategies for driving brand growth and market share in the food and beverage industry?
ASSUMPTION: Candidates should be prepared to ask thoughtful, insightful questions that demonstrate their understanding of the role, the company, and the industry, as well as their commitment to driving business growth and innovation.
📝 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
1. Submit your application through the [Lakeside Foods careers portal](https://careers.lakesidefoods.com/jobs/1294548800/).
2. Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role.
3. Be prepared to discuss your experience with market research, data analysis, project management, and strategic planning during the interview process.
4. Research Lakeside Foods' company culture and be ready to demonstrate your alignment with their values and work environment.
5. Practice common interview questions and be ready to provide specific examples of your problem-solving skills and leadership abilities.
6. Follow up with the hiring manager or HR representative within one week of your interview to express your continued interest in the position.
⚠️ Disclaimer: This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
